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work

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verb American English pronunciation: work /wɜrk/ 
Word Forms
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present tense
I/you/we/theywork
he/she/itworks
present participleworking
past tenseworked
past participleworked
 
  1. 1
    [intransitive] to have a job, usually one that you are paid to do

    Dominic works part-time.

    work with:

    The instructor is qualified to work with children.

    work in:

    I hope to work in marketing when I’m older.

    work as:

    She worked as a journalist.

    work for:

    She works for a big law firm in the city.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  workThesaurus entry for this meaning of work
    1. a.
      [transitive] if you work a particular area or type of place, you go to that area or to those places as part of your job, for example to try and sell things or to perform there

      He worked the clubs long before TV made him famous.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  workThesaurus entry for this meaning of work
  2. 2
    [intransitive] to spend time trying to achieve something, especially when this involves using a great effort

    I’ve been working in the garden all day.

    work on:

    Our thanks go to everybody who has worked on this project.

    work to do something:

    He worked tirelessly to improve safety conditions in the mines.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  workThesaurus entry for this meaning of work
    1. a.
      [intransitive] to produce a picture or create an object using a particular type of substance
      work in/with:

      He works in oils and acrylics, painting mostly landscapes.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  workThesaurus entry for this meaning of work
    2. b.
      [transitive] to make someone work

      She always works us too hard.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  workThesaurus entry for this meaning of work
  3. 3
    [intransitive] to operate in a satisfactory way

    The new telephone system seems to be working perfectly.

    This pen doesn’t work.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  workThesaurus entry for this meaning of work
    1. a.
      [transitive] to operate something such as a machine or piece of equipment

      I don’t know how to work this thing.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  workThesaurus entry for this meaning of work
  4. 4
    [intransitive] to succeed

    If this plan doesn’t work, we’ll think of something else.

    The strategy seems to be working.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  workThesaurus entry for this meaning of work
    1. a.
      to have a particular effect or result

      The drug works by blocking the spread of the virus.

      work for/against someone (=have a good/bad result):

      Criticizing your former employer works against you in an interview.

      work in someone’s favor/work to someone’s advantage (=be an advantage to someone):

      The exchange rate is currently working in the company’s favor.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  workThesaurus entry for this meaning of work
  5. 5
    [intransitive/transitive] to move gradually from one position to another

    The strap of one of her sandals had worked itself loose.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  workThesaurus entry for this meaning of work
    1. a.
      [transitive] to put something into a different position or state

      She managed to work one hand free.

      work yourself into something:

      He was slowly working himself into a panic.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  workThesaurus entry for this meaning of work
  7. 7
    [transitive] math American to solve a problem in mathematics by doing a calculation

    Some students may be able to work the problems if they are given more time.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  workThesaurus entry for this meaning of work

phrases

See also

This is the American English definition of work. View British English definition of work.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to British English.

 

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